Latest news with #Oshima
Asahi Shimbun
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Asahi Shimbun
Entomologist flying high with insect-themed bar in Shinjuku
An original cocktail inspired by the blue morpho butterfly, left, in Konchukan (insectarium) Bar Species in Tokyo's Shinjuku district (Rieko Oki) Tucked away in the vibrant heart of Tokyo's Shinjuku entertainment district, a curious speakeasy has emerged, where the bar flies actually have wings and a typical icebreaker between patrons might be: 'Nice thorax!' This is Konchukan (insectarium) Bar Species, a place where conversations over drinks about the wonders of the insect world take flight. Bar Species, located in a neighborhood teeming with bars, restaurants and izakaya pubs, features walls and counters adorned with insect specimens, some carefully mounted under glass, others very much alive. On a recent day at the bar, a Tsuda's giant stick insect (Megacrania tsudai) peeked bashfully from between the leaves, as if quietly observing the customers. The visionary behind this museum-bar establishment is 32-year-old Kazuyuki Oshima, a lifelong mantis researcher with an unusual dream: to create a space where people could raise a glass and speak freely—even romantically—about bugs. The drink menu features around 15 original cocktails, each inspired by the insect world. A luminous blue concoction, for example, evokes the iridescent wings of the blue morpho butterfly, while a protein-packed potable is made with powdered cricket. Guests often arrive with ideas of their own: 'Could you make something that feels like this bug?' Oshima, a self-taught cocktail craftsman, welcomes the challenge with enthusiasm and a smile. Even the bar snacks embody Oshima's whimsical vision. A bowl of mixed nuts arrives with mantis-shaped tweezers, inviting guests to nibble with entomological finesse. At the counter, patrons cradle their drinks in one hand and hold glass-encased specimens in the other, as bug talk fills the air. 'Did you know the elytra of the Hercules beetle can sometimes appear black instead of their usual amber? Why does that happen?' one excited guest asks. Another leans in, smartphone in hand, and says: 'I think this is a horsefly. I snapped it recently. Can you tell what species it might be?' Oshima, ever eager to share, responds with quiet delight and deep knowledge. 'Newspaper is perfect for storing collected insects as it absorbs both moisture and oils,' he explains. 'And here's a fun fact: The bright red color in Campari once came from cochineal scale insects.' LIFELONG FASCINATION Oshima's fascination with six-legged creatures began in early childhood and never wavered. He enrolled in an agricultural high school and later advanced to Tokyo University of Agriculture, intent on pursuing insect research. He immersed himself in exploring the taxonomy and morphology of praying mantises. The findings from his studies on how often they molt before reaching adulthood and how to identify species in their juvenile stages became the foundation of his doctoral thesis. In spring 2021, he earned a Ph.D. Since his student days, Oshima had nurtured a quiet yet vivid dream: to admire, discuss and appreciate insects—ideally with a drink in hand. Yet, no such place existed. So, he decided to 'build it myself.' Oshima found inspiration in a science-themed bar where he had once worked part-time as a student. It was a lively space where guests sipped cocktails while discussing the wonders of science. When he proposed his idea for an insect-themed bar, the owner responded with enthusiasm: 'Why not try it here?' In October 2021, about six months after completing his graduate studies, Oshima opened Konchukan Bar Species during a lull in COVID-19 cases. The pop-up operates on Sundays, Mondays, and holidays within the science bar space. On days when Bar Species is closed, Oshima continues working at the science bar while holding insect-themed workshops for children and writing academic papers. He regularly embarks on field expeditions overseas. Many of the specimens on display at the bar were collected by Oshima in the lush rainforests of the Guiana region in South America. Word of the bar gradually spread on social media, attracting a modest but devoted following. Bar Species now boasts around 20 regulars, with guests traveling from as far north as Hokkaido and as far south as Kumamoto. Children are welcome, too. To cater to families and out-of-town visitors, the bar opens at 3 p.m., earlier than most. BRINGING JOY Among the regulars is 58-year-old Sachiko Idei from Kanagawa Prefecture, who has been frequenting the bar for about two years. Captivated by the beauty and strangeness of insects since childhood, she had long resigned herself to enjoying them alone. No one around her truly shared her passion. 'People often say bugs are disgusting,' she says. 'But here, I can talk about them as much as I like. It brings me so much joy.' As for Oshima, he hasn't ruled out opening a full-time insect bar one day. 'Insects make up the vast majority of all animal species on Earth,' he notes. 'I've learned so much from the people who come here. Every conversation lights up the room. It's exactly what I always dreamed of.'
The Mainichi
24-06-2025
- Sport
- The Mainichi
Football: Struggling Marinos appoint Oshima as new manager
TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Yokohama F Marinos on Tuesday named Hideo Oshima as the new manager of the struggling J-League first-division club. The 45-year-old was appointed as interim boss following the sacking of previous manager Patrick Kisnorbo last week after just two months in charge. Marinos, historically one of Japan's most successful clubs, currently languish at the bottom of the 20-team J1 table with just three wins from 20 games. "To get the team through this difficult situation, I must do it myself," Oshima said in a statement from the club. "I hope we can fight as one and finish the season happily." Oshima's playing career included stints with several clubs including Marinos and second-division Montedio Yamagata. He joined the Marinos coaching staff after hanging up his boots.
Japan Forward
07-05-2025
- Japan Forward
Tokyo Bay's Hidden Hiking Oasis Built on a Landfill
このページを 日本語 で読む At the end of March, an approximately 40-meter-high artificial hill in Tokyo Bay officially opened to the public. When people think of hiking in Tokyo, the mountainous Tama region — with popular spots like Mount Takao and Mount Kumotori — usually comes to mind. But now, a new option offers a lighter, more accessible outdoor experience. This urban "mountain," visible from places like Odaiba and Tokyo Big Sight, introduces a refreshing green space in the heart of the city. As a reporter with a passion for the outdoors, I was eager to visit the new hill at Umi-no-Mori Park (Sea Forest Park). For years, I had noticed the lush green forest from the Tokyo waterfront. I always wondered when the site — clearly under development, with visible land work and construction vehicles — would finally open. On a clear April holiday, I set out from the Odaiba area on my motorbike. There were no signs pointing to the park, but I had a general sense of the direction. My route was interrupted by a waterway at Akatsuki Pier Park, which forced me to backtrack. After passing through an undersea tunnel, I spotted a sign for the Sea Forest Waterway and soon arrived at the park. From the central entrance, stairs extend straight up to the summit. (©Sankei by Shigeki Harada) Because the park had just opened, parking was hassle-free. On holidays, the fee is ¥1,000 (about $7 USD) per car. To my delight, motorcycles parked for free. I made my way to the summit by climbing stairs that cut through the trees. Many of the trees had small birdhouses, apparently crafted by children. That day, I saw crows and black kites. According to park materials, other species like shrikes and skylarks also inhabit the area. Remarkably, this tranquil space was once known as "Trash Hill." It was created from 12.3 million tons of waste and construction debris deposited between 1973 and 1987. In 2005, then-Governor Shintaro Ishihara announced a vision to transform the site into a green sanctuary for people, plants, and animals. Later, the area hosted the cross-country segment of the equestrian competition during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. It became one of the event's lasting legacy sites — a symbol of renewal shaped from the burdens of the past. Covering about 60 hectares, Sea Forest Park is larger than both Yoyogi Park (approximately 54 hectares) and Ueno Park. Around 240,000 trees from about 50 species have been planted. These include Japanese beech, Japanese bay tree, Japanese black pine, Oshima cherry, camellia, and mulberry. The saplings were grown through collaboration between local residents and private companies. The park also features ponds and grasslands, designed to support a diverse and thriving ecosystem. During the 1996 National Tree Planting Festival, Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko (then Emperor and Empress) planted trees here. At the 2018 National Tree Growing Festival, Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako (then Crown Prince and Princess) returned to care for those trees. This further connected the space to Japan's natural and cultural heritage. While tents and campfires are not permitted, visitors can enjoy picnics at designated tables and chairs in open plazas. Ball games and kite flying are welcome. Despite its size, the park remains uncrowded, offering a rare sense of openness not often found in central Tokyo. A small gorge has also been created. (©Sankei photo by Shigeki Harada) The park features two small peaks — West Hill and East Hill — each rising 42 meters above ground level. Built according to Arakawa River flood standards (roughly 41 meters above sea level), these artificial hills are higher than Tokyo's tallest natural peak in the city center, Atago-yama (26 meters in Minato Ward). They are slightly shorter than Shinjuku's artificial Hakone-yama (about 45 meters). The summits offer panoramic views of Shinagawa, Shinkiba, and even the Boso Peninsula on clear days. The light trails throughout the park allow for easy hiking or jogging. Many follow the same slopes used during the Olympic equestrian events. Sea Forest Park is perfect for a laid-back day outdoors. Bringing your own food and drinks is encouraged, and the open space makes it an ideal place to unwind. Access to the park is currently car-centric. Shuttle buses run from Tokyo Teleport Station (Rinkai Line) and JR Shinkiba Station, though with limited capacity. A pier at the site is also used during large events. The Tokyo Metropolitan Marine Park Division is considering introducing regular boat services depending on future demand. Author: Shigeki Harada, The Sankei Shimbun このページを 日本語 で読む
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Backed up Waiahole stream sparks flooding and bridge safety fears
HONOLULU (KHON2) — It was a weekend of high water and high anxiety for residents and businesses in Waiahole as a clogged stream led to major flooding concerns. Heavy rain, combined with debris buildup, turned this usually calm waterway into a flood hazard. And the Waiahole Poi Factory found itself right in the middle of the rising water. Honolulu Mayor to give State of the City Address 'All over here was like muddy and stuff from the valley and there's a drain over there, that kind of comes up as well. So it kind of went wrong from that one and then it followed through the kitchen,' said employee Thomas Galdeira-Hugo. Workers at the restaurant said they had to scramble to move supplies and equipment. 'It was getting bad from that window there even entering from that way,' Galdeira-Hugo said, pointing at the restaurant's front entrance. 'That's when we needed the sand bags.'Flooding is nothing new for the restaurant, but because they've been so busy cleaning up yesterday and today, it was the first time Galdeira-Hugo saw the status of the stream. 'Oh, that's bad,' he said. 'Once it gets past that, when it's hitting that bar right there. that's when it's going to get bad and stuff.' It's not just business that has people worried. The bridge serves as a key connection to the community and residents in the area say they're worried about the safety of the bridge. 'Because the bridge is already compromised, how inconvenient it would be for people to have to drive all the way around the island just to come home,' said longtime Waiahole Valley resident Nathan Oshima. The 103-year-old Waiahole Bridge has long been on the list to be replaced. According to a Board of Land and Natural Resources report, the state Department of Transportation is expected to begin construction on a new bridge in the spring of 2026. We reached out to state transportation officials, who we've been told, are looking into the community's concerns. But for many, the worry lingers. Oshima is concerned for his neighbor, the farmer next to Waiahole Stream. 'She gets wiped out on the regular because of the water. Because of that she's lost a lot of her farmland gets eaten away and it continually does. because there's no maintenance,' Oshima said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Backed up Waiahole stream sparks flooding and bridge safety fears
HONOLULU (KHON2) — It was a weekend of high water and high anxiety for residents and businesses in Waiahole as a clogged stream led to major flooding concerns. Heavy rain, combined with debris buildup, turned this usually calm waterway into a flood hazard. And the Waiahole Poi Factory found itself right in the middle of the rising water. Honolulu Mayor to give State of the City Address 'All over here was like muddy and stuff from the valley and there's a drain over there, that kind of comes up as well. So it kind of went wrong from that one and then it followed through the kitchen,' said employee Thomas Galdeira-Hugo. Workers at the restaurant said they had to scramble to move supplies and equipment. 'It was getting bad from that window there even entering from that way,' Galdeira-Hugo said, pointing at the restaurant's front entrance. 'That's when we needed the sand bags.'Flooding is nothing new for the restaurant, but because they've been so busy cleaning up yesterday and today, it was the first time Galdeira-Hugo saw the status of the stream. 'Oh, that's bad,' he said. 'Once it gets past that, when it's hitting that bar right there. that's when it's going to get bad and stuff.' It's not just business that has people worried. The bridge serves as a key connection to the community and residents in the area say they're worried about the safety of the bridge. 'Because the bridge is already compromised, how inconvenient it would be for people to have to drive all the way around the island just to come home,' said longtime Waiahole Valley resident Nathan Oshima. The 103-year-old Waiahole Bridge has long been on the list to be replaced. According to a Board of Land and Natural Resources report, the state Department of Transportation is expected to begin construction on a new bridge in the spring of 2026. We reached out to state transportation officials, who we've been told, are looking into the community's concerns. But for many, the worry lingers. Oshima is concerned for his neighbor, the farmer next to Waiahole Stream. 'She gets wiped out on the regular because of the water. Because of that she's lost a lot of her farmland gets eaten away and it continually does. because there's no maintenance,' Oshima said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
